Summary

The Daunting University Application Process, by Rida Butt, The Sydney Russell School

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  • As a student in yr 11, I am knowledgeable on the fact that around this time of year, nervous Yr 13 students send of University applications with a degree that has the prospect of dictating what they do in the future. I can only imagine the stress of writing personal statements, the horrible gut-wrenching wait to see if a university has given you an interview offer and if they have then the lead up to the interview is a nerve-racking experience in itself. With the aim of calming and possibly helping some students out there, I have devised tips that I feel could come in useful for maybe even me in the future. Tip number 1) Pick a university based on the fact that you actually like the layout and modules of the degree you have decided on and not because it has a high ranking on the league tables worldwide! Yes, we can all agree that Oxbridge is the dream for parents and students out there but if they don't offer the course that you want why pick it? there are so many other reputable universities out there who perhaps offer the degree that you desire and they may even be high in the league table rankings for your degree! Tip number 2) Make sure you do the research on your degree and what modules and topics each university offers. This is so in an interview you can discuss the different topics you're excited to research and learn about in your degree at that university. Knowing what you will be studying could impress the interviewer and portray you as a passionate and able student which can only be a positive thing right? Tip number 3) Research extra information to do with what you want to study. So for example, if you would like to pursue a Pyhscology degree at university, perhaps you could discuss a particular theory you find interesting or a psychological experiment that may have fascinated you. This could make for interesting discussion points in your interview and again shows you as an engaged and active student who won't waste the opportunity they're given to study the course at university. Finally the last but most important point, just be yourself! There is really no point in lying about what you've achieved, what interests you have etc. just so you come across as a perfect model student. If you lie about various things then at the interview stage, you may come across as unnatural and fake which is a persona you definitely do not want to portray. These are my four tips for Yr 13 students which I hope are useful and equip you with the knowledge you need.

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